ROCHDALE youngsters Patrick McCourt and Kevin Townson have won international acclaim - but it could be at a cost for their club.

McCourt is in the full Northern Ireland squad to face Spain on 17 April, while Townson has been called into the England Under-19 squad to face a two-legged clash with Lithuania on 17 and 21 April.

However, the call-up means that Townson is set to miss Rochdale's final game of the season against Bristol Rovers - a potentially vital match which could affect the Spotland club's promotion aspirations.

The Northern Ireland game will be played at Windsor Park in Belfast and is a friendly match. McCourt was actually due to represent his national side last month in a friendly match in Liectenstein, but had to withdraw because of a hamstring injury picked up at Cheltenham

He also represented the Northern Ireland Under 21 side at the start of the year, but has now furthered his career and joined the full squad.

Townson impressed England Under-19 manager Martin Hunter during his last spell with the squad, and as a result has been added to the squad for the crunch games against Lithuania.

The first leg is in Lithuania on 17 April, while the return leg is on 21 April at The City Ground, Nottingham.